Juuls Vin & Spritis Diamond Demerara No. 34 2003

Juuls Vin and Spritis selected this 2003 Diamond as a single cask for its own numbered series, a full strength Guyanese rum that leans into the darker, more savoury side of the Diamond profile. While Diamond usually sits among the lighter Demerara styles, this cask is heavy and molasses rich, closer in feel to the wooden still marques. At twelve years and cask strength, it is unsweetened and assertive.

Molasses based and matured in ex-bourbon oak, it noses on liquorice, dried fruit, floral notes and molasses, then turns heavy and full bodied on the palate with barrel and liquorice before a finish of bitterness, wood, tobacco and salt. At 57.8% the alcohol could sit a touch more smoothly, and the molasses and liquorice are pronounced, so this is a robust, savoury Demerara rather than a soft one. A dark, full proof Diamond for drinkers who like their Guyanese rum heavy and wood driven.